Christianity: Judgement & Resurrection (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
Eschatological beliefs
Christianity and life after death
The word eschatology means “end times” and can refer to the end of someone’s life or the end of the world
All Christians believe there is an afterlife for those people who believe in God
Christians believe that each person has a soul, meaning that although the physical body dies, the soul can live on after death
Many Christians believe that when you die, God will judge you and decide if you should go to heaven or hell
Although all Christians believe there is life after death, there are different beliefs about what happens when you die
Some Christians do not believe in hell, as they do not believe that an all-loving God would send people to hell
Some Christians do not see heaven or hell as places but instead as “states of mind”
Some Christians (Roman Catholics) believe in Purgatory, a place where sins are punished and purification takes place before heaven
Christianity & judgement
What do Christians believe about judgment?
Although all Christians believe there is life after death, there are some different opinions on what happens at death
However, all Christians believe that after death, all humans will be accountable for their actions on earth
“Christ ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all men at the last day” (39 Articles IV)
Some Christians believe that at this point, all of humanity will be judged at the Last Judgment
Other Christians(Roman Catholics) believe that judgment will take place as soon as a person dies rather than everyone being judged together on the Day of Judgment
Christianity & resurrection
What does Christianity teach about resurrection?
Jesus’s resurrection is central to the Christian faith
Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after crucifixion (Luke 24, John 20)
They believe that this proves that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4)
It also shows victory for Christians over sin and death, which is an important Christian belief
The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated during the Christian festival of Easter
There are many biblical verses that talk about the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of resurrection for all
“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14)
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25)
The event of the resurrection of Jesus shows Christians that humans will also be resurrected
This supports the Christian belief that there will be a final judgment and eternal life
There are different understandings between Christians about what form life after death will take
Some Christians believe in physical resurrection, and that the body will be raised and transformed (1 Corinthians 15:42–44)
Other Christians believe in a spiritual resurrection, where the soul continues after death with God
Belief in resurrection is significant for Christians for many reasons:
It provides hope for life after death
It assures believers of forgiveness and salvation
It can impact the way that a Christian lives by encouraging moral choices and faith in God’s promises
Worked Example
Explain why belief in life after death is important for Christians
[5 marks]
Answer:
Belief in life after death gives Christians hope that death is not the end and that they will be with God forever. The resurrection of Jesus is central to this belief, as it shows victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:14). Christians believe they will be judged and either go to heaven or hell, so life after death gives meaning to moral choices and encourages them to live according to God’s will.
It also provides comfort when facing suffering or loss, as John 11:25 teaches: “I am the resurrection and the life.” For Christians, eternal life is part of God’s gift of salvation through Jesus [5 marks]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
For this section, try to know and understand the key beliefs related to Christianity and life after death, including:
Jesus’s resurrection of and what it proves
How this relates to the Christian belief in the resurrection of humans (body/spirit)
What life after death looks like for Christians, including, judgment, heaven, hell and purgatory (for Catholics)
The meaning and importance of salvation, atonement and grace
Understand biblical quotes relating to the topic and how they can support your responses, including:
“I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23)
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